Post by aubreyskingdom on Jul 17, 2011 18:51:06 GMT -5

I have an iPhone 4 and am interested in purchasing some type of portable cell phone charger that will last through Bonnaroo. I've read that some of the solar panel ones have problems charging the iPhone enough to be worthwhile - does anyone have any recommendations of any type of portable charger you use?

Post by on Jul 18, 2011 2:11:40 GMT -5

I used to work at Brookstone and we sold a portable cell phone charger that ran off of a AA battery. It worked well and was not too expensive (~$20, if I recall), but I'm not sure if the plug will fit into an iPhone. It still might be worth checking out to see if I'm wrong, though.

Post by Keene on Jul 18, 2011 22:57:51 GMT -5

Portable chargers come many ways: solar , battery , hand crank. Depending on the model for the cost will be what value you'd get. If it's battery powered you'll likely need to buy a lot more batteries over it's life. So it is cheaper up front but possibly expensive in the long run. Solar chargers are a little more rare but they can be expensive and less maintenance will be needed, just make sure it gets enough sun light :-). And the hand crank one's with USB out puts are the most expensive but probably will have an array of extras which might come handy for a camp site: Radio, Light, jump starter for car battries.

Post by rideincircles on Jul 19, 2011 16:33:57 GMT -5

I definitely recommend the battery backups that charge via usb. I have two for my iphone 3g and have used it whenever needed. If you are gonna have your phone for a while then the money spent will be easily worthwhile.

I have this for my iphone 3g. charges from dead to 90%. $13 here, iphone 4 batteries are more expensive though.

Post by konstantine on Jul 19, 2011 19:49:17 GMT -5

The solar charger I had sucked. I thought it fried my phone. So if anyone has any suggestions I could try next year, I'd appreciate it. I might just cave and get something that charges off of AA batteries.

Thanks to the Stubhub tent, though! The line for the recharge station was RIDICULOUS and we ended up watching some hockey and chilled in there.

Post by Vw'ndeadchick on Oct 5, 2011 3:49:17 GMT -5

i also keep an ac inverter in my car at all times and use that during most fests. i have recently found a solar pad-like charger that will hang from my bag while hiking/camping, what have you, without adding much weight... let ya know how it goes in a few months.

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Post by Madeline on Jan 12, 2012 18:11:21 GMT -5

I snagged some battery powered chargers on woot yesterday, but I think I'll buy a few extra batteries, too. Ebay has them for $3.43 + FS for my evo3d. My little htc hero would NOT hold a charge last year. That gave me some anxiety since my ass hole sweet kids were back in MN.

Seriously, how many times do I have to thank inforoo for all the ideas?!

Post by iggypimp on Jan 12, 2012 19:32:00 GMT -5

its not a portable solution but i took a old car battery and put it in a marine box and attached an ac outlet to it. we were able to charge our phones, run multiple oscillating fans and power a portable shower the entire time. for portable power the coleman site has the cpx portable charger.

Post by skibby on Feb 8, 2012 10:19:29 GMT -5

its not a portable solution but i took a old car battery and put it in a marine box and attached an ac outlet to it. we were able to charge our phones, run multiple oscillating fans and power a portable shower the entire time. for portable power the coleman site has the cpx portable charger.

Post by Enlightened1 on Feb 8, 2012 12:38:10 GMT -5

If you have a phone service that uses a sim card. The best idea is to buy a cheapie phone. One that only is a phone and can do texts, their batteries last for usually 5 to 7 days if on all the time, and if you lose it or it gets stolen you are not out an expensive phone. If you must bring your Iphone or Droid, turn it on in the morning, make your calls, check you mail and messages then turn it off, check it again before you go into centeroo turn it back off and lock it up. Buy a watch to know what time it is.

Post by outtheother on Feb 15, 2012 17:17:23 GMT -5

You can use it to jump start a dead or weak battery, plus you could use it with your phone's car charger (or anything else that uses a car charger, like a air mattress pump). It's usually pretty easy to track down Harbor Freight coupons as well, to get it even cheaper.

Post by Keene on Feb 15, 2012 22:07:27 GMT -5

In the last year I have seen everything from portable car battery chargers that have A/c outlets good for plugging up. Or if you're using a phone that can use a Mophie Juice pack case or any battery pack case it will help a lot.

Also i recommend when on the farm turning off Bluetooth, lower your screens brightness, turn your phone off when you don't need it on, turn off GPS and if your phone has the ability to turn it's data services off ( air plane mode, mostly all phones have this) . My phone lasted me throughout the entire festival last year following those basics.

You can use it to jump start a dead or weak battery, plus you could use it with your phone's car charger (or anything else that uses a car charger, like a air mattress pump). It's usually pretty easy to track down Harbor Freight coupons as well, to get it even cheaper.

This. Preferably one with a DC outlet on the front.

It kept our fan running through the night, and our phones charging through the day in Tent only. It lasted wednesday-sunday with no problems.